PAWS eviction order cancelled

Some of the residents at the shelter home

SHAH ALAM: Mentri Besar Azmin Ali has cancelled the eviction order issued by the Petaling Land Office to Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

“I summoned the district officer to appear before MTES (Selangor Economic Action Council) and he has given an explanation and our decision is to cancel the order," Azmin told reporters at the state secretariat Thursday.

Azmin said the district officer and Sime Darby Bhd, the owner of the land where PAWS is situated, would speak to the shelter’s operator to come to a solution.

The land belongs to Sime Darby but part of it, including the location where PAWS is situated, has been surrendered to the state as reserve land for road and LRT construction.

“I have asked the district officer and Sime Darby to engage the operator to see how best we can help in the event we need to develop the land," said Azmin.

He said the state would also look into ways to help PAWS to relocate if the need arises.

Azmin added that he would be meeting Sime Darby on Friday to discuss the matter.

“We want to talk to Sime Darby to find out how best they can help relocate the premises and operation to another site," he said.

He assured that PAWS will not be forced out or the premises demolished.

PAWS, which shelters 260 dogs and 280 cats, was slapped with the 14-day eviction notice on Nov 10.

PAWS shelter manager Edward Lim met Azmin on Tuesday and pleaded for help and the mentri besar had responded immediately by suspending the eviction notice.

When contacted, Lim said he was thankful that Azmin had been receptive to the shelter’s plight.

“We cannot thank the mentri besar enough and are relieved and grateful that he is helping us so much," said Lim.

Other animal welfare and rescue groups that have voiced strong support for PAWS have also conveyed their gratitude to Azmin.

Canine welfare project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) rescue coordinator Irene Low said: “The mentri besar has handled the situation with much compassion and humanity.

“We hope the plight of stray animals, especially dogs and how they are handled by the local councils, will also be reviewed and addressed under his administration," said Low.

Furry Friends Farm (FFF) president Myza Nordin added that it was refreshing to have a mentri besar "who is sensitive towards the plight of the voiceless."

Lost Animal Souls Shelter (LASS) president Vignes Chelliah hoped that PAWS would be allowed to remain or moved to an area not far away.

“I hope the shelter will not be moved to far from where it is now because PAWS, like all other shelters, have to be easily accessible to the public."